Legacy of Leadersনমুনা

Moses | Servant-Leader

Read: Exodus 32-33

In the highlight montage of Moses’ life, the encounter with the burning bush, the manifestation of the plagues upon Pharaoh’s Egypt, and the parting of the Red Sea would be obvious featured segments. But there is a conversation with God that depicts the level of sacrificial commitment Moses had for the Lord and the people he led. Here is a recap of the backstory from Exodus, leading up to that encounter.

God had given Moses the plans for the Tabernacle, the Ark, and the role of the priests in great detail. Moses was then given the stone tablets inscribed by God’s own finger. Next, the Lord warned Moses that the people had fashioned a golden calf to worship as their “god,” led by none other than Moses’ right-hand man, Aaron. In Moses’ absence, they were partying like heathens at the foot of the mountain. God then said He was going to destroy the people and start over with just Himself and Moses.

Moses pleaded with God to relent. God listened and honored Moses’ request. Moses then came back down the mountain, witnessed the people’s rebellion for himself, broke the tablets, and started to clean up their mess.

If you were in Moses’ place, what actions would have run through your mind? But regardless of what he may have considered or been tempted to do, Moses came to an amazing offer of resolve.

The next day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a terrible sin, but I will go back up to the Lord on the mountain. Perhaps I will be able to obtain forgiveness for your sin.” So Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Oh, what a terrible sin these people have committed. They have made gods of gold for themselves. But now, if you will only forgive their sin—but if not, erase my name from the record you have written!” (Exodus 32:30–32)

Moses offered up his own life as a sacrifice to God to atone for the people’s sins. When they were busy with sin, he was innocent, standing in the Lord’s presence. This is, of course, one of many Old Testament foreshadowings of what Jesus would eventually carry out once and for all for all humanity. But the fact remained that as God’s servant-leader to the people, Moses was willing to give up his life to satisfy the Lord and serve the people as their leader.

Maybe you are or have been a first responder, in the military, or in some other form of service where you understand being regularly called upon to risk your life for others. Regardless, a man who steps up to be a leader in this world on God’s behalf will be asked on a regular basis to sacrifice his own desires, needs, and agenda for the sake of others. There are constant opportunities as well as challenges to put someone else first for the Kingdom of God.

But how did Moses come to such a sacrificial level of servant-leadership? How did he gain such a strong sense of eternal perspective that he would offer his life? The answer can be found in Exodus 33:11.

Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.

Serving God and others, as Jesus’ greatest commandment tells us to do, is not a natural response, but supernatural. As sinners, we cannot sustain giving of ourselves in our own strength for very long. Our selfishness fights sacrifice. Our self-preservation battles service. The only way we can offer up our lives as Moses did is found in Exodus 33:11. We see the same dynamic and discipline in Jesus’ life. One example is Mark 1:35: “Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.”

Navigating life, family, and career while serving anyone in our circles of influence can be a deeply personal tension every day. But spending time face-to-face with God through a relationship with Jesus, talking as a friend talks with a friend, is the key to continuing to be His servant-leaders.

Meditate and Journal

• The hardest aspect for me right now, where I need God's help in being a servant-leader is:
• The place (or places) where I know God uses me to be His servant-leader are:

“Heavenly Father, thank You that the example of Your being our best Friend and closest Confidant can be seen throughout Scripture from Moses to Jesus. Help me to always keep in mind that the time I spend with You is the only way I can stay equipped and empowered to serve You and those around me in my circles of influence. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Memory Verse

Write your name in the blank to personalize and memorize this adaptation of today's verse:

Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to _________ face to face, as one speaks to a friend.

Exodus 33:11, adapted

A servant-leader lives on the front lines, not in the corner office.

Your face-to-face time with God is the best investment you will ever make in your life.